What Size Skateboard Do I Need?

The first thing you’ll notice when browsing our website is that there are tons of different sized skateboards. So how do you know what size skateboard to buy? What size skateboard is good for street skating? What size skateboard is good for a beginner? We’ve got the run-down.

Quick note: if you’re a novice skater or buying a gift and you don’t want to build a custom complete skateboard, check out our selection of pre-assembled complete skateboards. Warehouse Skateboards offers complete skateboards that are built from the same quality parts offered separately on our site. See our huge selection of complete skateboards in stock.

Let’s get some of the skateboard lingo down first. The skateboard deck is the actual board itself. The skateboard deck is the flat, long board that you stand on when skateboarding. Warehouse Skateboards offer a huge selection of skateboard decks in a variety of shapes, sizes, weight and color patterns. Skateboard decks vary in size but most are between 7″-10″, and are made of either seven-ply wood, bamboo, resin, carbon fiber or plastic. Deciding which skateboard deck is best for you depends on what you will be skating and, of course, your personal brand preference.

Width – The average width of a skateboard deck is 7.5″- 8.25″. Width is influenced by the size of the rider and the type of riding. Bigger riders and those skating ramps and vert ramps typically prefer a wider deck. Street skaters usually choose a smaller deck. Choose your skateboard deck according to the width, not length.

Length – The length of the skateboard is measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Average board length is 28″- 32″ but length is only referred to by advanced skaters.

Wheelbase – The wheelbase is the distance from one pair of inner mounting holes to the other inner pair. The average wheelbase is 13″-15″, and again, the choice is influenced by the skill set of the rider

Nose and Tail – The nose and tail of a skateboard can be hard to tell apart, but most decks provide you with graphics to distinguish the two apart. Also, most skateboard decks have a bigger kick on the nose and mellower kick on the tail.

Mounting Holes – Mounting holes are pre-drilled holes where the skateboard trucks are attached. Arranged as two sets of four holes; one set is near the nose, the other near the tail.

Ply – When looking at the side of the skateboard deck, thin layers of maple veneer are visible. Layering the wood in a cross-grain pattern creates a stronger board than a single solid piece of wood. The typical skateboard is seven-ply.

Concave – The section of the board between the nose and tail curves up slightly on the sides. The concave gives the rider more control and increases the skateboard’s strength.

Decks come in many different widths. If you are a beginner to skateboarding, choose your deck according to the width, not the length or wheelbase. The width you need depends on your size, skating style and personal preference. Here are some general guidelines.

What are the different sizes of skateboard decks?

Micro Deck width: 6.5″ – 6.75” – Deck length: 27.2” – 27.6”

For skaters 5 years or younger, under 3’5” tall who wear a size 3 shoe or smaller

Mini Deck width: 7.0″ – Deck length: 28”

For skaters 6 to 8 years old between 3’5” and 4’4” tall who wear size 4-6 shoes

Mid-size Deck width: 7.3” – Deck length: 29”

For skaters 9 to 12 years old between 4’5” and 5’2” tall who wear size 7-8 shoes

Decks 7.5” or larger Deck width: 7.5″+ – Deck length: 29”+

For all skaters over age 13, taller than 5’3” with a shoe size of 9 and up.However, individual skating style will determine deck size for these decks:

Now that you’ve dialed in what size skateboard is good for you, check out our massive selection of skateboard decks. For more info on skateboard and accessory sizing, check out our sizing charts. If you still have questions about skateboard deck sizing, please contact Warehouse Skateboards’ Customer Service.